Dog walkers join the front line in the fight against street crime

Saturday 17 February 2007 23:22 BST

Man's best friend: Dog walkers will help police with information

Dog walkers are being signed up in a new police initiative to spot criminals in the act and people behaving suspiciously. And they will be expected to dial 999 or report lesser matters to their local police team.

In Sutton, Surrey, where the scheme is being launched, Sergeant Jim Nicholls hopes to have 250 dogs and owners signed up when it officially starts on March 17. And if it is successful, Dog Watch could be copied nationwide.

"We have more police than ever out and about," said Sgt Nicholls.

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"But we can't be everywhere and we do rely on the public, not necessarily getting involved but passing on information."

He said dog walkers could be particularly useful in reporting burglaries and vandalism because they were out when many crimes are committed - early and late in the day and at quiet times when most people are at work.

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"People might complain that they would like to see more police on the streets, but this is a brilliant way of engaging the local community," he added.

"We don't have Neighbourhood Watch here - it has never taken off - so we are hoping this will prove an effective alternative."

Dogs joining the campaign will get a free check-up by a local vet, have their weight monitored and be given a flashing light collar.

Owners will be given a key ring bearing police phone numbers and be offered dog identification chipping at a reduced price.

Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat MP for Sutton and Cheam, dismissed criticism that Dog Watch was a cheap alternative to police on the streets.

But he admitted it would not be an option for areas such as South London, where three teenagers have been shot dead in recent weeks.

"The policing needs of my area compared to Peckham are chalk and cheese," he said.

"It would not be a solution in an area like that. It is not in any way a panacea, but the point is dog walkers are doing what they do anyway, being out with their dogs.

"What police need to be effective is good intelligence, and that ultimately comes from us all as individual citizens. Dog Watch is just an idea of doing this.

"Potentially it could bring a bit of extra information in to the police which they can then use to help reassure the community and tackle crime."